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The Closer Report » Jason Motte

The Closer Report: Closer’s Rise and Fall, April 30, 2012

The Closer Report: Closer’s Rise and Fall, April 30, 2012

Closers on The RISE Santiago Casilla, SF – After getting pulled in the ninth and losing a save chance, Casilla has bounced back.  He saved three games last week and has his season ERA down to 1.04 and a WHIP of 0.92. Chris Perez, CLE – You have to give it to Chris Perez.  As bad as he has been in some appearances this season and with the fact he was injured in spring training, … Read entire article »

Filed under: Addison Reed, Alfredo Aceves, Brandon League, Chris Perez, Closers Rise and Fall, Francisco Cordero, Heath Bell, Hector Santiago, Jason Motte, Javy Guerra, Jim Johnson, John Axford, Jonathan Broxton, Jordan Walden, Kenley Jansen, Matt Capps, Matt Thornton, Santiago Casilla, Sean Marshall, Uncategorized

2012 Closer Profile: Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals

2012 Closer Profile: Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals

If you have been a reader of mine over the past couple of years, then you know how much I like Jason Motte.  I expected him to have this job in 2010, but LaRussa felt we should all wait another year.  Last September Motte took over as the closer for the Cardinals and never looked back.  He saved eight games in nine opportunities and then continued his streak into the playoffs, saving five of the Cardinals … Read entire article »

Filed under: 2012 Player Profiles, Jason Motte, Uncategorized

Baseball Bullpen Depth Charts Update 4.25.11

Baseball Bullpen Depth Charts Update 4.25.11

Check out our latest depth charts update on our Depth Charts page. By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com St. Louis Cardinals Since the fall of Ryan Franklin, this bullpen is a mess.  The new Closer Mitchell Boggs has been doing a great job nad already has three saves.  However, where they plan to use Ryan Franklin, Jason Motte, or Eduardo Sanchez.  Only Trever Miller (Lefty Specialist) has a certain role.  Both Sanchez and Motte have been used as … Read entire article »

Filed under: Brad Lidge, Chris Sale, Depth Chart Updates, Frank Francisco, Jason Motte, Joe Nathan, Jon Rauch, Matt Capps, Mitchell Boggs, Ryan Franklin

Franklin Blows Another, Broxton Taking Punches

Franklin Blows Another, Broxton Taking Punches

It wasn’t pretty in the ninth inning slugfest between Ryan Franklin and Jonathan Broxton.  The game between the Cardinals and Dodgers was 0-0 going into the ninth inning.  Both teams deployed their closers and the game ended 2-1.  It’s fair to say that Trevor Miller entered the ninth for the Cardinals and promptly gave up a double to Andre Either. SO Crazy Eyes La Russa brought in his crack closer with the tying run on second … Read entire article »

Filed under: Jason Motte, Jonathan Broxton, Ryan Franklin

MLB Spring Training: Fantasy Closer Battles

MLB Spring Training: Fantasy Closer Battles

Here are some early returns for some tight closer battles during 2011 Spring Training. Craig Kimbrel Vs. Jonny Venters – So far, at least stat wise the job is going to Venters. He’s thrown four perfect innings, while striking out three. Kimbrel has also struckout three in 2.1 innings, but has a ERA at 15.43 on 4 ER thanks to a bad outing. In my opinion it’s Kimbrel’s job to lose, not Venters to win. Kevin … Read entire article »

Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Chris Sale, Craig Kimbrel, Frank Francisco, Jake McGee, Jason Motte, Joe Nathan, Joel Peralta, Jon Rauch, Jonathan Broxton, Jonny Venters, Kevin Gregg, Kyle Farnsworth, LA Dodgers, Matt Capps, Matt Thornton, Octavio Dotel, Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays

2011 Fantasy Baseball Closer Drafting Strategy

2011 Fantasy Baseball Closer Drafting Strategy

OK, I am finally ready to give away my ultimate strategy for drafting closers in 2011.  Every season is different for many reasons. 1.  How many closer jobs are locks and how many are up for grabs. 2.  Who is coming off down years or injuries. 3.  What new closers are entering the market of competition. 4.  What have the teams done to not only solidify their perspective bullpens, but create more opportunities fpr their closer. 5.  Where are certain … Read entire article »

Filed under: Andrew Bailey, Brad Lidge, Brandon League, Chris Perez, Chris Sale, Craig Kimbrel, Daniel Bard, Drew Storen, Fernando Rodney, Frank Francisco, Huston Street, J.J. Putz, Jason Motte, Joe Nathan, Joel Peralta, Jonathan Broxton, Jonathan Papelbon, Mariano Rivera, Matt Thornton, Neftali Feliz, Uncategorized

2011 Fantasy Baseball: Top 10 Closers To Avoid Drafting

2011 Fantasy Baseball: Top 10 Closers To Avoid Drafting

As it is every year, closers come and go throughout the season.  Whether it is performance based or injury, they will be replaced.  Here are 10 closers that despite their ADP, career numbers, or Closer Report Draft Kit ranking, I’d avoid at all costs.  1. Ryan Franklin, STL- Ok, wasn’t his 15 minutes up two years ago?  Give credit where it’s do to the steroid survivor that he’s lasted this long.  He will LIKELY open as the … Read entire article »

Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Brad Lidge, Brandon Lyon, David Aardsma, Houston Astros, J.J. Putz, Jason Motte, Joe Nathan, Joel Peralta, Jon Rauch, Kevin Gregg, Kyle Farnsworth, Mariano Rivera, Matt Capps, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Octavio Dotel, Philadelphia, Ryan Franklin, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays

Sneaky Closer Candidates for 2011

Sneaky Closer Candidates for 2011

Hey, we all know most of the obvious choices at closer.  However, every spring there are normally a few closers that surprise fantasy baseball managers by getting the job over the predicted candidate.  For years I’ve been pointing these guys out to you and here are a few that will shake the world!  Ok, maybe not that big, but certainly help your fantasy team by drafting a closer in the latest of rounds. After have … Read entire article »

Filed under: Brandon Lyon, Houston Astros, Jason Motte, Kyle Farnsworth, Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays

10 Value Pick Closers For Fantasy Drafts

10 Value Pick Closers For Fantasy Drafts

2011 offers a surplus of value pick closers.  Here are ten closers you need to eye in your fantasy draft for the best value for your pick. (No particular order) ADP statistics provided by www.mockdraftcentral.com. Craig Kimbrel, Atl – ADP: 282.  Kimbrel is going on average in the 24th round.  We are talking about the flame throwing Braves closer.  A Braves closer should never go that late in the draft.  Steal him in the … Read entire article »

Filed under: Andrew Bailey, Arizona D-Backs, Atlanta Braves, Brandon League, Chicago White Sox, Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians, Craig Kimbrel, Drew Storen, Frank Francisco, J.J. Putz, Jason Motte, Joe Nathan, Jonathan Broxton, LA Dodgers, Matt Thornton, Oakland A's, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nats

Top 10 Sleeper Closers For 2011

Top 10 Sleeper Closers For 2011

1. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves – This guy is the right-handed version of Billy Wagner.  With a 98MPH fastball and a propensity to strikeout batters, Kimbrel has what it takes to close.  He’s on a great team that will provide him with plenty of save opportunities.  He also lacked any serious competition in the Braves bullpen, though Venters is slightly capable. 2. Drew Storen, Washington Nationals – Last year I felt some heat with discussing … Read entire article »

Filed under: Andrew Bailey, Arizona D-Backs, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Brandon League, Chicago White Sox, Chris Perez, Chris Sale, Cleveland Indians, Craig Kimbrel, Drew Storen, Featured, Frank Francisco, Houston Astros, J.J. Putz, Jason Motte, Jonathan Broxton, LA Dodgers, LAA Angels, Oakland A's, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nats